With fall camps set to begin around the country this week, here's a look at my ranking of the 25 college football programs with the most NFL-caliber talent heading into the 2015 season. I list the top talents to watch for each team in this breakdown, along with a player entering his first year with the program who is worthy of attention.
Here are the teams I have ranked 21-25. I'll unveil five teams, counting down to No. 1, each day this week.
21. Tennessee
Players to watch: WR Marquez North, ILB Dillon Bates, QB Joshua Dobbs, DB Cameron Sutton, DE/OLB Curt Maggitt and WR Josh Malone.
The outlook: Butch Jones is quietly rebuilding the program by stockpiling blue-chip talent at the marquee positions. At wide receiver, in particular, the Vols are on the verge of regaining their reputation as "WR U." North is one of several rangy pass-catchers with "pro-ready" games. With Dobbs flashing big-time potential as a franchise quarterback, NFL scouts are scurrying to Knoxville to take a glance.
Newcomer in the spotlight: WR Preston Williams. The big-bodied pass-catcher is expected to make an immediate impact as a designated playmaker in the passing game. Although there is a report that Williams won't be able to practice until he retakes the ACT, NFL scouts are already salivating over this four-star's potential as a prototypical No. 1 WR.
22. Florida
Players to watch: CB Vernon Hargreaves III, DE Jonathan Bullard, WR Demarcus Robinson and LB Antonio Morrison.
The outlook: The Gators' on-field struggles haven't stopped NFL scouts from poaching the top players on the roster during recent NFL drafts. Hargreaves is certainly on the radar of scouts as the top cover corner in college football; he is already drawing comparisons to ex-Gator CB Joe Haden as a versatile playmaker on the edge. On the other side of the ball, Robinson is a standout receiver with the size, athleticism and big-play ability to terrorize opponents on the perimeter.
Newcomer in the spotlight: OT Martez Ivey. The Gators' reputation for producing NFL-caliber offensive linemen should continue with Ivey's arrival as the No. 1 offensive tackle in the 2015 recruiting class. Big, physical blockers with nimble feet are always coveted at a premium; Ivey could make an immediate impression on the college football world as a first-year contributor.
23. Miami
Players to watch: S Deon Bush, QB Brad Kaaya, WR Stacy Coley, ILB Raphael Kirby and DE Chad Thomas.
The outlook: Despite posting disappointing records the past few years, NFL scouts continue to flock to Coral Gables to check out the blue-chip talent that continues to dot the roster. After watching seven Hurricanes come off the board in the 2015 draft, scouts are already casting their sights on Bush to see if he can carry on the program's tradition of producing premier talent. Coley is an intriguing pass-catcher with the speed and explosiveness that evaluators covet in deep-ball specialists.
Newcomer in the spotlight: TE Jerome Washington. The Hurricanes landed the No. 1 JUCO tight end prospect in the country when Washington agreed to come to the "U." He possesses the physical tools and natural pass-catching skills to become the next Hurricane tight end to eventually make his mark at the next level. If he can quickly master the playbook in camp, Washington could emerge as a dominant playmaker for the Hurricanes this season.
24. Pittsburgh
Players to watch: WR Tyler Boyd, RB James Conner and CB Lafayette Pitts.
The outlook: The Panthers have a long-standing reputation for producing elite NFL talent. The likes of Dan Marino, Tony Dorsett, Larry Fitzgerald, Darrelle Revis and 2014 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Aaron Donald donned the blue and gold before blossoming into stars at the next level. Coach Pat Narduzzi inherits a pair of young playmakers (Boyd and Conner) with the kind of talent that has NFL scouts daydreaming about the possibilities. Given Narduzzi's reputation for developing and cultivating talent, Boyd and Conner could spark a movement that leads NFL evaluators to make Pittsburgh a must-stop on the scouting trail.
Newcomer in the spotlight: CB Jordan Whitehead. The top recruit in the Panthers' 2015 class could develop into a spectacular cover corner under Narduzzi's tutelage. The 5-foot-11, 171-pound playmaker exhibits all of the qualities (speed, quickness and movement skills) scouts covet in top corners. The competition in the ACC will provide him with plenty of opportunities to refine his skills on the perimeter.
25. TCU
Players to watch: WR Josh Doctson, QB Trevone Boykin, RB Aaron Green and DT Davion Pierson.
The outlook: Gary Patterson has earned rave reviews in the NFL community for his ability to develop defensive players, but scouts will make the trek to Fort Worth to check out the Horned Frogs' explosive set of triplets on offense. Boykin, Doctson and Green are arguably the most dynamic trio in football; the Horned Frogs' spread offense will create plenty of chances for them to create big plays on the perimeter.
Newcomer in the spotlight: CB DeShawn Raymond. Patterson might have uncovered a hidden gem in Raymond. The 6-foot, 185-pound athlete is a long, rangy cover corner with the length to challenge big-bodied receivers on the perimeter. Most importantly, Raymond is a big hitter with a nose for getting to the ball on running plays.
Follow Bucky Brooks on Twitter @BuckyBrooks.
